Russia's Long Road to the WTO
Editorial, Vedomosti (in Russian) | November 2, 2011
Russia's 18-year quest to become a member of the WTO may finally be drawing to a close by the end of this year, as Georgia gave its consent under US and EU pressure. ++ The biggest barrier to admission into the WTO, however, lies within Russia in the face of Vladimir Putin. ++ In the past, Putin has consistently thwarted the negotiation process in its final stages. ++ While Russian exporters remain unprotected by anti-dumping laws, there is still the very real possibility of Putin withdrawing Russia's candidacy at the last hour.


